UK regulator proposes to force Apple to open iPhone NFC access and cut fees
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a consultation that would require Apple to provide third‑party developers with access to both standard NFC technologies on iOS and to lower the fees it charges for that access. The proposals aim to remove technical and commercial barriers that the CMA says hinder fintech innovation in the UK. Apple has warned that the changes could weaken privacy and security protections and may appeal the measures. The consultation closes on 17 November 2026.
Why it matters
If adopted, the rules could reduce Apple’s 0.15% transaction‑fee revenue from Apple Pay and open its iPhone payment stack to rivals, potentially reshaping the UK mobile‑payments market (CMA proposal). The outcome may also set a precedent for further regulatory actions against Apple’s platform practices (CMA statement).
Key facts
- 1The CMA’s consultation closes on 17 November 2026. gov.uk
- 2Apple currently charges a 0.15% fee on Apple Pay transactions. finance.yahoo.com
- 3Contactless payments represented 39% of all UK payments in 2025. gov.uk
- 4Apple was designated with ‘strategic market status’ by the CMA last year, giving the regulator extra enforcement powers. finance.yahoo.com
- 5The CMA proposes that Apple must support both main international NFC standards, including host‑card‑emulation, for third‑party developers. pymnts.com
- 6The CMA expects the new pricing principles to significantly reduce the cost of accessing Apple’s contactless technology. pymnts.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 16 of 16 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.